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The Nova Southeastern University class of 2019 and 2020 DPT students put down their books this Halloween to make a difference in the community. October is physical therapy month and the program understands the importance of representing the physical therapy profession by participating in the APTA Global Day of Service. Due to challenges during and after Hurricane Irma, the initial plan to participate on the 14th had to be postponed. Nevertheless, students were able to fulfill their commitment to serve the community during physical therapy month.

On October 31st, the NSU DPT students traded their books and goniometers for capes and masks in order to participate in the second installment of what is known throughout the program as “Trick-or-Canning.” A week before Halloween, the students mapped out neighborhoods in the NSU area and posted flyers on the doors of houses they intended to solicit for donations so homeowners could prepare. On Halloween, the students went house to house asking for non-perishable canned goods in lieu of Halloween ‘treats’ that people could donate to the Feeding South Florida organization.

The response was overwhelming, after experiencing a hurricane people seemed to come together as a community to help those in need. Over 50 students participated, and when they returned to campus that evening to consolidate the donations for drop-off at Feeding South Florida they all had bags filled to the brim. The event was a huge success.

Feeding South Florida is the leading domestic hunger-relief organization in South Florida, providing meals for 25% of Florida’s food insecure population. For each dollar donated, Feeding South Florida can provide six meals to those less fortunate. For more information on the organization or how you can make a difference, please visit feedingsouthflorida.org.